Drink American

1. Ragged Mountain Rum

Great Barrington, Massachusetts

750 ml, $30

Turns out rum distilled up in the Berkshires has all the burnt-sugar and banana flavors you get from the Caribbean stuff, plus some subtle smokiness and crisp complexity that taste exactly how New England feels this time of year.

Try it: On the rocks or in a Dark 'n' Stormy.

2. Blanton's Original Single Barrel

America's first single-barrel bourbon. It's full-bodied yet sweet and creamy. If you don't like this, you don't like whiskey.

Photo: Courtesy Blanton

3. Death's Door Vodka

Madison, Wisconsin

750 ml, $33

Vodka is a neutral spirit, and Death's Door is as pure as they come, distilled from organic winter wheat that supports the local economy and leaves you with a clean palate and a clear conscience.

Try it: In a pristine martini or in the best damn Bloody Mary you've ever had.

5. Clear Creek Distillery McCarthy's Single Malt

Proof of the diversity of American Whiskey: even though it's made in the shadow of Mt. Hood in Oregon, is reminiscent of an Islay-style Scotch.

Photo: Courtesy of Clear Creek Distillery

4. Kings County Moonshine

Brooklyn

200 ml, $20

Given Brooklyn's obsession with all things turn-of-the-century, this artisanal moonshine came as no surprise. But we were shocked at how drinkable it is—smooth, mellow, slightly sweet. This ain't that stuff your friend brought back from Alabama. There's no grimace when you take a sip—just a mild burn that makes you want another.

Try it: Straight from the bottle, which fits nicely in the back pocket of your selvage jeans.

6. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Years Old

This wheated bourbon delivers a long finish, with flavors like orange, vanilla, and toffee.

Photo: Courtesy of Old Rip Van Winkle

7. Bluecoat Gin

Philadelphia

750 ml, $28

They signed the Declaration of Independence in Philly back in 1776, and now we're declaring independence from English gin. It says "Dry" on that pretty blue bottle, but what's inside is lively and punchy, with plenty of citrus and sweetness behind the juniper.

Try it: With a decent tonic or straight up with a twist.

8. (RI)1

Simply put, the smoothest rye around. Try it in a Manhattan and wonder why you've been drinking them with bourbon instead.

Photo: Courtesy of (RI)1

9. Clear Creek Pear Brandy

Portland, Oregon

750 ml, $40

Clear Creek sells a pricey version with a fully grown Bartlett pear inside the bottle, but even the cheaper, pearless stuff tastes like an ultrapure distillation of the fruit it's made from. Also plays well with other spirits.

Try it: Straight up after dinner or with equal parts Clear Creek, blended scotch, and dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters.

Turns out rum distilled up in the Berkshires has all the burnt-sugar and banana flavors you get from the Caribbean stuff, plus some subtle smokiness and crisp complexity that taste exactly how New England feels this time of year.